A Woman Who Reaches God’s Ear is Used of God to Build Mighty Temples

1 Sam 1:1-28

Mal 2:15; all cathedrals in world cannot compare to value of one Godly offspring
@ time of Hannah, clergy was using sacrifices and offerings for personal gain & abusing the women (probably see this in Sam 2?)
- also general lack of following God; but we can see Elkanah’s family worshiping
- but…Elkanah tired of waiting on Lord? we see Hannah is mentioned first, and then Penniah

Characteristics…

A woman who worships anyway is of special note
- Isa 42:8
- Elk loved Hannah, but looked to lineage instead of protecting her (hence Penniah)
- Penniah had more children, but less love from Elk
  - added affliction to Hannah; wrecking Hannah’s time of worship
- 1 Tim 2:8; James 5:11; Job…
A woman weathered by life will experience the special sunshine of God’s love
- Hannah is justified to quit everything…but huge hope!
  - can’t escape from woman rival, husband is a little dumb (saying “I am worth more than 10 sons!”), God closed womb…now priest thinks she’s a drunk while she’s praying
A woman of BIG HOPE will not be disappointed
- unchanged circumstances, BUT she was convinced she found the one who can change circumstances
- Isa 30:18; God longs to be trusted
- Hannah is the model of prayer we are called to follow
  - prays, leaves her concerns with God, trusts in His provision, leaves/finishes prayer with smile
  - Samuel is the answer to the question “Who are you gonna call?” (no, not Ghostbusters!)
    - living testament to call of God
A woman of spiritual follow-through will be appointed to high callings
- 2 Chron 16:9
- Hannah’s heart of self-giving devotion